Do you want to do more to support Black Lives Matter and the Civil Rights Movement but you donated all you can? Are you short on time but have a long reading list to better understand systemic racism? Keep reading -- this post has a way for you to further your own education while making money for donation (at no financial cost to you!).
This post is not about my opinions or voice. It’s about amplifying voices of color, apologizing to the Black community and providing support, and helping allies educate themselves as Anti-racists.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou
I want to start by acknowledging the tragic and unjust deaths of so many Black Americans:
" The rate at which Black Americans are killed by police is more than twice as high as the rate for white Americans. This is a non-comprehensive list of deaths at the hands of police in the U.S. since Eric Garner's death in July 2014." Image and words by: @PrivtoProg on Instagram
We, as Americans, are in a state of change. Some say the world is falling apart, but I think that we are finally starting to come together. I emphasize ‘starting’ because the changes that need to happen for a just and inclusive country are only just beginning -- as a White American, I know that it is my job to take action every single day. So this post is a start. It provides resources for learning as well as a way to turn action and education into money for donations to the Civil Rights Movement.
The beauty of anti-racism is that you don’t have to pretend to be free of racism to be an anti-racist. Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself. And it’s the only way forward.
I Am Sorry
To our Black readers -- I am sorry. Sorry for the hurt I caused through ignorance and my participation in an unjust system. I am sorry on behalf of my race as a White person. I hear you, I believe you, and I stand with you. Not just now, but forever. I am deeply sorry that you shoulder the burden of racism and ignorance every day. I pledge to do better through action and understanding.
Action steps for Allies:
This first step is a way for anyone to turn education and time into a monetary donation for the Black Lives Matter and Civil Rights Movement through Audible. Beyond the first step, you'll find resources for allies to better understand and support the Black Community.
Please note that this is not a comprehensive list, but a starting point. If there's interest, I will continue to add resources as I find and use them myself (please let me know in the comments if you are interested).
1. Sign up for Blinkist and Audible Free Trials -- generate money for Black Rights organizations at no cost to you
To our non-Black readers, it’s important to express support vocally, but also to take ACTION and further your education.
In an effort to do both, I set up affiliate accounts for two learning platforms: Blinkist and Audible. ALL proceeds from these platforms will be donated to the Black Lives Matters and Civil Rights Organizations in the "Donate" section later in this post.
Audible requires NO monetary investment from you to make a donation and will help you further your education. Blinkist offers 20% of any purchase you make, but the free trial can be used to screen books for Audible.
*Please note that you must cancel your free trial in order to prevent charges. However, even Audible free trials make money for donation. If you continue to use the apps (I personally use both almost daily), you make an additional donation as a paying subscriber.
Blinkist App
I use the Blinkist App to get the key points of a book before listening to the full book on Audible. It offers 15 minute summaries that you can read or listen to and includes a vast library of book titles.
The Free Trial of Blinkist does not generate donation money (Audible does, however), but if you stick with it for the monthly or yearly subscriptions, 20% of your cost comes back to our donation bank.
Audible
Audible is usually my first choice for absorbing non-fiction and personal development books. After I screen the book on Blinkist, I use Audible credits from my monthly subscription to purchase a book. Currently, I am listening to White Fragility. There are non-fiction titles as well, and I've heard Born a Crime is excellent on Audible (I read the printed copy).
A Free Trial on Audible generates $5 for donation, even if you cancel before payment! If you continue with the pay option you generate another $10 at no additional cost to you.
Books I’ve read and recommend:
- So You Want to Talk About Race - Ijeoma Oluo
- The Hate You Give - Angie Thomas
- Born a Crime - Trevor Noah
What I’m listening to on Audible right now:
- White Fragility - Robin DiAngelo
Other books on my reading list, written by Black Authors:
- How to be an Antiracist - Ibram X. Kendi
- The New Jim Crow - Michelle Alexander
--> This Anti-Racist Google Doc has a booklist and other reading material.
2. Donate & Learn Online
To anyone wishing to provide more support to the Black Lives Matter and Civil Rights Movement, here are websites I'm exploring:
Donate (this is where Audible and Blinkist donations will go):
Learn more, donate, & support:
- Black Lives Matter
- Rachel Rickett’s Anti-Racism Resources
3. Make Anti-racism a HABIT
Every morning I do a quick self-check in my journal or with my partner. I list what I’m thinking about, feeling emotionally, feeling physically, goals for the day and gratitudes.
Starting this week, my check-in also includes How I will Stand Up Against Racism today. New habits stick best when you attach them to an already existing habit -- for example, I added this pledge to a habit I’ve kept for over two years, or you could make this pledge every morning while brushing your teeth.
Here are some ideas:
- Donate to a Black Rights organization
- Call out racism in your community and on social media
- Follow & Amplify Black voices in your community and on social media
- Educate yourself on how to be an Anti-racist
- Support Black-owned businesses
- Add more diverse voices to your Podcast list
- Watch educational documentaries or films
- Actively teach your kids about racism
- Get more ideas from this Antiracist for Whites Checklist by Robin Diangelo (author of White Fragility), Rachel Rickett’s Anti-Racism Resources, & this Anti-Racist Google Doc.
I know that we can do better and create real change. Thank you for reading this post -- please consider signing up for Blinkist and Audible, and sharing this resource with friends and family.
With love and gratitude,
❤︎ Jamie
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Katerina
What a wonderful, humble and kind but empowering post, Jamie - we can all absolutely do our part. Thank you for the practical tips of how to help make a change.